My Story

Founded in 2021 by Lucy Humphries, Appleyard Acu is a forward thinking clinic dedicated to helping people feel better throughout life's ups and downs.

My path to becoming an Acupuncturist wasn’t a straightforward one, it followed a winding journey. In my mid-thirties, life seemed to be on track. I had a loving husband, an interesting career, two fantastic young children, supportive parents, great friends, and fulfilling hobbies—everything I could have wished for. Then, in an instant, my world changed. I lost both of my wonderful parents at the same time, and nothing looked the same to me anymore.

I had spent over a decade working in London as an Environmental Consultant, following years of study to earn a BSc and MSc, with travel adventures in between. I cared deeply about the environment and our impact on it (I still do!), but after experiencing such profound loss, I found myself unable to continue. The trauma affected me deeply—emotionally, mentally, and physically—triggering sleep issues, mood swings, and hormonal imbalances. My entire system, my inner world, was thrown off balance. I needed help.

With time, care, and support, I began to heal. I immersed myself in psychology, took part in talking therapy, and had regular acupuncture. Acupuncture, in particular, brought me a deep sense of ease—it helped release emotional and physical tension, reduced pain, and rebalanced my system, allowing me to rest and restore. Slowly, I started to feel like myself again.

As I regained my strength, I felt a strong pull to make a positive impact on the world once more. It became clear that I wanted to help others heal in the way I had been helped, and so I began my training as an Acupuncturist. I believe we all have the ability to heal; sometimes, we just need the right support. Good health isn’t just the absence of illness or pain—it’s a state of balance and vitality. My philosophy is to treat the whole person, encouraging healing from the inside out for a healthy body, mind, and soul. While Western medicine is, of course, essential for many conditions, an integrative approach often leads to the best outcomes.

In 2016, my family and I moved away from the London commuter belt to a peaceful rural village in Wiltshire, where I grew up. We now live on a smallholding with ponies, chickens, and Appleyard ducks, growing much of our own fruit and vegetables. The Appleyard Acu clinic is nestled beside our apple orchard, offering a calm and welcoming space where you can begin your own journey to feeling better.